Today, across the world – not to mention in India – more and more players are turning to online casinos both as a source of entertainment and as a decent way to earn a bit of money. For players from India, this includes not only well-known casino games but also ‘Andar Bahar’, as well as several other local games such as ‘Teen Patti’.
Alongside blackjack and roulette, online slots are gaining immense popularity. There is now a wide variety of them: from Le Pharaoh, which transports you to Ancient Egypt with its pyramids and the riches of Tutankhamun, to classic slots featuring fruit symbols or bells. Many beginners start by playing simpler online slots, whilst experienced players, having tried a large number of games, usually play slots with the highest RTP (Return to Player) rates, for example, over 96% and around 98%, as this ratio allows the player to recoup most of their stakes in the long run.
What is RTP and how does it determine the terms of the game?
RTP is the percentage of the total amount wagered that a player theoretically receives back in cash. This figure is largely theoretical and is calculated based on hundreds of thousands of spins. If the RTP is, say, 96%, this means that the player receives 96 rupees for every 100 staked, with the casino keeping the rest.
Here are a few important things to know about RTP:
- An RTP above 98% is rare, and such games are considered the most profitable.
- It’s good to know that a figure of 96–97% is a perfectly decent result, and you can find it in many modern slots.
- Anything below 96% is considered rather poor, and these are the slots you really should avoid.
Aside from RTP, don’t forget about the volatility of the game itself. This depends on each player’s style and varies from person to person. New players usually start with low volatility, as the risk is lower, as are the winnings, and then they move on to high volatility, which goes off the scale: the stakes are higher, and the chances of winning the jackpot are greater.
How to play Le Pharaoh
Le Pharaoh is a modern online slot from Hacksaw Gaming with an ancient Egyptian theme, offering dynamic gameplay featuring a new re-spin system. The game is played on a 6×5 grid with 19 fixed paylines. The slot’s main feature is the Sticky Re-drops mechanic: after a winning combination is formed, the symbols remain in place whilst the empty cells are filled with new ones. Thanks to this, a single winning spin can last for several rounds in a row and yield a series of wins.
The rules of the game are very simple: the player selects their stake, spins the reels, and then collects combinations of matching symbols, starting from the leftmost reel. This slot machine also features Wild symbols, bonus symbols and free spins. The ‘Golden Riches’ round is particularly worth mentioning, as it offers multipliers and additional prizes in the form of coins. The maximum win is 15,000 times the stake, and the RTP is around 96% — a decent figure for a video slot.
How to choose slots with the best odds for playing
For Indians living in countries where gambling is illegal, online slots have become a real lifeline.
The first step a beginner should take is to find a suitable licensed online site, as this guarantees fair play and the fastest withdrawals.
Today, online casinos offer players a variety of payment options, such as UPI, Paytm and Rupay, support for the Indian rupee, and a user-friendly personal account dashboard in Hindi or English, which makes it easier to navigate the games.
What you need to know to win at online slots:
- Before you start playing, check the online slot’s description for the RTP figure and choose the one that best suits your needs.
- Demo version. Many online slots have a demo version; try it out and familiarise yourself with the mechanics and rules of the game in a matter of minutes, without risking a penny.
- Analyse your statistics: which slots gave you the best chances of winning? What were your biggest wins on them, and play them more often?
- Stretch your deposit. Divide your bankroll into 20–30 bets — this will allow you to keep playing and wait for the bonus round. And while you’re meeting the wagering requirements, don’t forget to withdraw your winnings — it will only take a few minutes.
- Take advantage of welcome bonuses. When you sign up, online casinos always add bonus money and free spins to your account.
- When the game starts paying out, switch the volatility from low to high.
Online casinos usually run promotions in the run-up to Diwali, as well as offering bonuses for other festive occasions, allowing you to significantly boost your deposit and get closer to a win.
The bottom line is this: the best chance of winning comes from slots with a high RTP and from reputable online sites. Try out different volatility levels, test and switch between slots, keep an eye on your gameplay, and remember to only play with money you can afford to lose; then bonus rounds, progressive jackpots and big wins will be waiting for you.
